A major chapter in the Seattle Kraken's brief history is coming to a close. The team announced on Wednesday that Ron Francis, the President of Hockey Operations and a foundational architect of the franchise, will be leaving the organization at the end of this year.

Francis, a Hall of Fame player and one of the most respected minds in the game, has been with the Kraken since its earliest days. He was hired as the first General Manager in 2019, overseeing everything from the team's branding and arena development to building the inaugural roster. Last summer, he transitioned to the President of Hockey Operations role, with his longtime assistant, Jason Botterill, stepping up as General Manager.

According to the team's statement, Botterill will now assume full leadership of the hockey operations department, and Francis's position will not be filled. This move solidifies the 49-year-old Botterill's vision for the team's future.

Francis's departure marks the end of an era for a franchise that faced the daunting task of following the Vegas Golden Knights' unprecedented expansion success. While the Kraken made a thrilling run to the second round of the playoffs in just their second season (2022-23), they have struggled to find consistent footing in a tough Western Conference. This executive shift signals a new direction as the Kraken look to build a perennial contender and carve out their own legacy in the NHL.